Growing Out Your Hair? Here are the Supplements Proven to Work

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning The Glam Reporter may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We only share products we believe may offer value. Please consult your doctor before beginning any supplement, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.

If you’re trying to grow your hair longer, it’s tempting to look for a “magic pill.” But while no supplement can override genetics or treat all causes of hair loss, some nutrients do have background clinical or mechanistic support — especially in cases of deficiency or scalp stress. Below, we break down what the science says and share vetted supplement picks.

What Science Supports (and What It Doesn’t)

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

• Biotin is often marketed for hair and nail health. However, evidence in healthy individuals is weak.
• In documented cases of biotin deficiency (inherited or acquired), supplementation led to improvements in hair and nails.
• The Mayo Clinic notes that extra biotin beyond normal levels hasn’t been proven to enhance hair growth in those without a deficiency.

Conclusion: Biotin may help if you are deficient, but it’s not a guaranteed “hair growth pill” for everyone.

Multinutrient Formulas & Botanicals

• Some randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of multivitamin/gummy supplements containing B vitamins, zinc, and botanical ingredients have shown improved hair density and strength.
• A study in women with temporary thinning hair found that an oral supplement (not specifically biotin alone) produced significant hair growth over six months.
• Research reviews caution that not all ingredients touted for hair growth have strong data; the best evidence is for nutrients like vitamins C, D, E, zinc, and iron (in deficiency contexts) rather than indiscriminate megadoses of A, selenium, or biotin.

Collagen & Keratin Supplements

• Collagen itself has more evidence for skin health than direct hair growth. Some believe it helps the scalp microenvironment, potentially supporting follicles.
• That said, dermatologists caution that we lack strong evidence that collagen supplementation will directly stimulate new hair growth in healthy populations.

Complex Nutraceuticals (e.g., Nutrafol, Viviscal)

• Nutrafol’s multi-ingredient formula (botanicals and vitamins) has been studied in small trials that show improvements in hair density over 12–24 weeks.
• Viviscal contains a proprietary marine complex plus vitamins; users often cite anecdotal benefits, and some small studies support its use for “existing hair maintenance” rather than new follicle formation.

The bottom line: Supplements are most useful when addressing nutritional gaps or supporting hair under stress (postpartum, illness, dieting). They are not miracle cures, especially for genetic alopecia.

Our Favorite Options

Here are some well-reviewed options. Use them only after consulting your doctor and assessing your individual needs:

Nature Made Hair Growth Softgels – contains Lustriva™ + biotin, with a clinical study backing thicker hair in 12 weeks.

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement – uses a marine-derived AminoMar™ complex; many users use this for maintenance.

Codeage Hair Vitamins – broad formula with biotin, collagen, zinc, selenium, vitamins C, etc.

Nature’s Bounty Hair Growth – targets “existing hair growth” with arginine, silicon, biotin.

Garden of Life Hair Growth+ – whole-food + probiotic–infused formula.

The Vitamin Shoppe Keratin & Biotin – puts emphasis on keratin and collagen for structural support.

Neocell Collagen + Biotin – collagen-centric, with added biotin.

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies – a simpler gummy option with vitamins and biotin.

Note: These are suggestions, not endorsements, and individual responses may vary.

How to Use Supplements Safely When Growing Out Hair

1. Test and treat deficiencies first. Have your doctor check iron, vitamin D, thyroid levels, and biotin if needed.
2. Start one at a time. Try a single supplement for ~3 months and monitor progress before stacking more.
3. Pair with a healthy diet. Protein, healthy fats (omega-3s), and vegetables are fundamental to hair health.
4. Optimize scalp health. Use gentle shampoos, avoid harsh chemical treatments, and consider scalp massage or microneedling (with professional guidance).
5. Be patient. Hair grows ~½ inch per month. Expect to give any intervention 3–6 months before judging the effect.

Final Thoughts

If your hair growth is slow, it’s tempting to “throw everything at it” — but smart supplementation means supporting your body where it’s lacking. Supplements can help, especially when grounded in nutritional science, but they’re not a substitute for medical evaluation or a balanced diet. Use the picks above as potential tools — always clear them with your healthcare provider — and commit to consistency and care.